Modern or Contemporary Perspective of Political Science | Definitions | Scope

Second World War has been a major event to bring about change in the perspective of understanding Political Science.

Modern or Contemporary Political Science emerged to give new directions to the to the traditional political perspective. Political Scientists like Woodrow Wilson (American President), Lord Bryce stressed on the need for search of realism.

In 1925, political scientist Charles Merriam (Father of Behaviouralism) in his lecture delivered in the conference of American Political Science Association, stressed on the use of scientific techniques and methodologies in the study of Political Science.

In 1930, Harold Lasswell in his book “Psychopathology and Politics”, stressed on the need of psychological analysis of political events and activities.

Before World War – II, the modern political science originated in Chicago University of USA under the leadership of Harold Lasswell, Charles Merriam etc.

World War – II has an important role to play in the development of modern perspective of political science all over the world. It changed the traditional culture of human societies and new concepts emerged in the societies.

In this background, in the decade of 1960s, the political scientists of Chicago University stressed on the use of scientific technique in the study of political science.

They were of the opinion that the study of political science can be made more refined and accurate by using the methodologies of other social sciences like scientific sociology, psychology, economics.

The propounders of modern perspective of Political Science were David Easton, Lasswell, Almond, Bowell etc.

Definitions of Modern Perspective of Political Science:

1. According to David Easton, “it studies the authoritative allocation of values that are binding in a society.”

2. According to Lasswell, “Political Science is concerned with power in general with all its forms and in which it occurs. Power is distributive and the aim of political science is to determine how and what basis it is distributed.”

3. According to Catlin, “Political Science is a science of Power.”

4. According to Laski, “Political Science is a study of Human Beings and their ways of life in an organised society.”

Scope of Modern Perspective of Political Science:

Modern political science, influenced by the behavioural revolution, shifted its focus from purely institutional studies to a more empirical and scientific analysis of political phenomena. This modern perspective includes five key areas:

1. Study of the concept of power –

Modern political science views power as a central concept, defined as the ability to influence or compel others to act in a certain way. This goes beyond the traditional view of power as just governmental authority. It examines:

1. Who holds power? It looks at how power is distributed among various actors, including states, political parties, interest groups, and even individuals.

1. How is power exercised? This includes studying different forms of power, such as coercion (force), influence (persuasion), and authority (legitimate power). Think of a government passing a law versus a lobbyist persuading a politician.

1. Theories of Power: This area explores various theories, like elitism (power is concentrated in a small group), pluralism (power is dispersed among many competing groups), and Marxism (power belongs to the economically dominant class).

2. Study of Human Behaviour –

This field, known as political behaviour, analyzes how individuals and groups act politically. It uses methods from sociology and psychology to understand the "why" behind political actions. It examines:

1. Voter behaviour: What factors influence how people vote? This includes demographics (age, gender, ethnicity), socioeconomic status, political socialization (how people acquire their political beliefs), and media influence.

1. Political participation: Why do some people participate in politics (voting, protesting, campaigning) while others don't? This area explores the motivations and barriers to engagement.

1. Public opinion: It studies how public attitudes and beliefs are formed and how they impact political processes and policy.

3. Study of Political System –

The modern perspective sees the political system not just as a set of formal institutions (like a legislature or a court) but as a complex system of interactions. This approach, pioneered by political theorist David Easton, views politics as a process where demands and support (inputs) are channelled into policy decisions (outputs). It analyzes:

1. Components of the system: It looks at the interrelationships between government institutions (executive, legislative, judiciary), political parties, interest groups, and the public.

1. System functions: It studies how the system responds to societal pressures, maintains stability, and allocates resources and values.

1. Comparison of systems: This area, known as comparative politics, analyses different political systems (e.g., democracies, authoritarian regimes, totalitarian states) to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses.

4. Study of Political Participation –

This area focuses on the activities citizens engage in to influence the political process. It's a key part of the study of human behaviour but is often a distinct focus. It encompasses:

1. Conventional participation: Traditional and institutionalized activities, such as voting in elections, joining a political party, or contacting elected officials.

1. Unconventional participation: Activities outside of the formal institutions, such as protests, civil disobedience, and boycotts.

1. Barriers to participation: It investigates why certain groups are underrepresented in the political process, examining factors like poverty, lack of education, and social discrimination.

5. Study of decision making process –

Political science studies how political decisions are made, moving beyond simply looking at the final outcome. This includes:

1. Rational Choice Theory: This perspective assumes that political actors (like voters, politicians, and states) make decisions based on a rational calculation of their own self-interest.

1. Bureaucratic Politics Model: This model views policy decisions as a result of a complex process of bargaining and compromise among different government agencies and departments, each with its own interests and goals.

1. Factors influencing decisions: It examines the role of information, cognitive biases, group dynamics, and external pressures (both domestic and international) in shaping political choices. The study explores why a specific policy was chosen over other alternatives, considering the context and the actors involved.

Salient Features of Modern Political Science:

Modern political science distinguishes itself from traditional approaches by embracing a more scientific, empirical, and interdisciplinary methodology to understand political phenomena. Here are some of its key features:

1. Advocates a Comprehensive Study –

Modern political science moves beyond the state and government to study all aspects of politics, including political behaviour, power relations, political parties, interest groups, and public opinion. It adopts a holistic approach, recognizing that political life is intertwined with social, economic, and psychological factors.

2. Emphasis on Scientific Study –

It aims to develop generalizations and theories that can be tested and verified. Unlike the traditional approach that was largely philosophical and normative (focused on what 'ought to be'), modern political science seeks to be descriptive and analytical (focused on what 'is'). It uses systematic observation, classification, and generalization, similar to the natural sciences.

3. Use of Empirical Methods –

This feature emphasizes studying observable facts and data rather than relying on abstract philosophical ideas. Researchers use a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, statistical analysis, case studies, and content analysis, to collect and analyze data. This shift allows for more evidence-based conclusions.

4. Realistic and Value-Free Study –

Modern political science strives to be objective and value-free, meaning researchers aim to separate their personal beliefs and values from their analysis. The goal is to describe and explain political reality as it is, without making moral judgments. This contrasts with the traditional approach, which often had a strong ethical or moral dimension.

5. Close Relationship between Theory and Research –

There's a dynamic interplay between theory and empirical research. Theories are not just abstract ideas; they serve as a framework to guide research, helping to formulate hypotheses. In turn, research findings either support, refine, or challenge existing theories. This continuous loop ensures that theories remain grounded in reality.

6. Emphasis on Inter-Disciplinary Approach –

Political science today recognizes that politics does not exist in a vacuum. It draws heavily from other social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, economics, and anthropology, to provide a more complete explanation of political events. For instance, it uses psychology to understand political attitudes and economics to analyze public policy.

7. Emphasis on Solving Human Problems –

While striving for scientific rigor, modern political science is ultimately concerned with practical issues. The knowledge and theories it generates are used to understand and potentially address real-world problems like political instability, social inequality, and international conflict. It's not just about knowing for the sake of knowing; it's about applying knowledge to improve society.